Problems with the Fossil Record

Question 1

Why is there a poor probability of an organism becoming a fossil?

Answer 1

required 4 conditions

Question 2

List the problems with the fossil record

Answer 2

1. Few organisms become fossils
2. Incomplete fossil record (gaps)
3. Classification of Species
4. Different interpretations of the same evidence
5. Lack of absolute dating methods

Question 3

Why do only a few organisms become fossils?

Answer 3

required 4 conditions

Question 4

Why would there be gaps in the fossil record?

Answer 4

Low probability organism will be fossilised

Fossils may not be found- may be inaccessible sites/areas yet to be explored or buried too deep in ground

Fossil may have been destroyed

Question 5

List reasons how fossils may be destroyed

Answer 5

earth movements and the cycling of rock

human activity such as agriculture, mining or industry

animals may have disturbed the earth through activities such as burrowing

Question 6

Why is it difficult to classify (identify) species?

Answer 6

It’s unusual to find an entire organism

Scientists determine classification at a species level from a few fragments of many fossils.

Results in a range of variations for each type of fossil.

Question 7

How can there be different interpretations of the same evidence?

Answer 7

Different scientists will use the same evidence to support different theories.

leads to controversy

Question 8

How is there a lack of absolute dating methods?

Answer 8

When organic samples are greater than 60,000 years, carbon dating cannot be used.

Potassium-Argon dating relies on the rock material surrounding the fossil and can date materials older than 200,000 years which if not present, cannot be used.